How often does luggage REALLY get lost at the airport?

Question

I'm going to see my Marine boyfriend next weekend and i'm really freaked out about losing my luggage. (I've never flown before, maybe i'm just naive?) I was going to just pack as much as I could fit in a carry-on but the airline i'm using has small carry-ons. All the stuff I need won't fit! So I was wondering, how often does luggage really get lost? Is this something I should actually worry about?

Answer 1

I just came back from a trip with 12 people and most of our luggage was misplaced on either a earlier or on a later flight.  With all the technology and the bar codes on the baggage stickers it doesnt make any sense.  If you need to check in a bag try to get into the airport early, thats my only advise.

Answer 2

Rarely.  Ive flown for many years and never once had a problem with my luggage being lost.  Also if you flight is Non-stop without layovers, you chances of your luggage being lost  is even less.  Don'tt worry and have a wonderful trip!!

Answer 3

There is a difference between losing it, and not getting it after your flight.

I have never heard of anyone who has the airline complety lose their luggage so its not recovered. Its very rare.

As far as having the luggage not be there when you go to collect it, thats alot more common. Espeically if you have connecting flights. In that case i would say the odds are maybe 1 in 100.  

Answer 4

I NEVER CHECK IN, IM SO PARANOID

Out of the 6-7 times I traveled with a group, like 2 times, at least one of them loses their bags.

Out of the 3 times I checked in my bags, they lost it once.

so I am paranoid, so i NEVER check my bags in any more.

But maybe that's just because I'm unlucky.

Answer 5

You'll have more chances at losing your luggage if your taking a connecting flight. When they transfer bags, there's more chance they'll send it to  the wrong airline or flight

For the safest bet, take a direct flight.

Answer 6

Someone above posted the most important point.  CHECK-IN EARLY.  If you rush up last minute, the odds of your bag being misdirected increase greatly.  

The largest cause of delayed luggage is not enough connection time.  Make sure you have enough time if you have to change planes to allow for delays.  I never book less than a 90 minute connection.

Answer 7

Don't worry about it.  It doesn't happen very often - just make sure that your luggage is secure and in good condition (ie, it isn't going to fall apart, and the printed tag they put on your bag at the airport isn't going to come off).   If you are concerned about it, you could put some bare essentials in your carry on, just in case something happens.

I usually try to use a carry on if I can, only because it makes it much easier and quicker when you get off the plane (you don't have to wait for the luggage to get off-loaded).

Here's some statistics:

looks like most airlines lose around 6 bags per 1000 customers, so that is a really small percentage, and the vast majority of the luggage they lose is found and recovered.

http://www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/...

Answer 8

Relax. I've been to almost 60 countries and flown on over 40 airlines.

It's happened to me twice in all those flights. Once it was off-loaded *because I worked for the airlines*. They had a weight restriction and had to remove *someone's* bag so it was mine and priority went to paying customers. It showed up the next day.

Another time, as a "real" passenger, there was a big storm, a huge backlog at the airport and I only checked in 40 minutes before departure on a transatlantic (after standing in line for 2 1/2 hours!) We're talking a real mess on departure... They delivered all three bags, in mint condition, to my home *two hours away from the airport*!!!

In both cases, they were able to tell me where my bags were and when they'd arrive, right there at the airport after my flight.

I've seen it happen to others but the bags usually catch up in a day or so. It's only a worry if you're on something like a tour or cruise and will be departing again soon. Even then, the airlines forward them on if possible. If you're staying in one place, don't worry. They'll find you.

Also, having worked for the airlines, I can tell you that many businessmen do lose their luggage. All their expensive things are insured so they don't kill themselves locating them, claiming them lost and replacing them for new. So don't let any "lost baggage" statistics scare you since it includes many of the above example. Most people who really want their things back, get them eventually.

Keep your luggage tags safe and make sure your name and address (of your destination) are both inside and outside your bags. Like the others mentioned, make sure your bag is in good shape and wont bust open en route. Double secure it with straps if necessary. Try not to pack too heavily, both to avoid excess baggage charges but heavy bags are more likely to be misplaced. The three I had were very large.

Have a good trip!